A/N: Sorry haven't updated in a while……crazy week. But….because I'm cool like that….next chapter…

Elliot POV

Easy. One step at a time. Look at her…she is so beautiful. Amazing. Wrapping my arms around her….the only time I feel normal. There's that smell…it's home.

"You look so great today."

That sparkle in her eyes. Almost blinding. "Thank you." I love making her smile.

And what is she wearing. "Not that I'm complaining…..but I don't remember anything like that in the closet." 'Cause I sure as hell would have noticed that.

"Well, I kinda borrowed it."

"You have friends that wear things like that." I know all your friends…no way in hell… "Busted Kath. Give it up."

"What are you gonna do? Hold me down and tickle me until I confess, Detective?"

"If that's what it takes…."

"Oh fine. I borrow these from the collective Kathleen and Maureen closet. Come to think of it…Kat said I'd have to fight you off with a stick."

She almost looks embarrassed…but still, pretty fucking hot.

"As disturbing as the thought of MY seventeen year old daughter having things like that in her closet….I must admit….she is right about having to fight me off…so, why don't you just give up now huh?"

We're giggling…like thirteen year olds.

"Haven't you had enough? You are the most frustrating man….uh, why are we laughing?"

"Well, I think this qualifies as giggling."

"Oh….think you're right. So what do you want for breakfast….and I swear to God if you say me….I'll withhold all privileges. And you know I can."

"Damn….I'll have to think about it then." She knows me all too well.

"Protein shake then? That's been my usual for the past few months…I'd be willing to share…."

Explains the body. Wow, I really haven't been noticing these little things. "Worth a shot. What's the worst that could happened? Just one thing, can I ask when you started with this stuff?"

"You can ask anything you want to. Doesn't mean I have to answer. BUT…to avoid conflict, I'll tell you. Here, try it….you'll probably hate it."

She's right…I truly loathe health food, but I'm not getting any younger….oh, let me get that chair. Ha, chivalry isn't dead after all….

"Thanks…well…it's not going to drink itself Elliot."

Sigh Fine….well, it's not THAT terrible. Could get used to it, may have to drink these more often. But uh, watching her drink hers is a bit distracting….licking off her lips… "Why do you have to be so sexy doing that?"

The look on her face tells me that I just said that out loud. "It just slipped out…." I'm blushing….lord.

"No….really. It's just funny….and really, thanks. You know, you'll get me used to all this flattery. And it will get you everywhere."

"How about into those pants?" Nah, that was intentional. I know she can't resist me….

"Dear, there's no way you could fit your ass into these pants."

"Kath…I don't think my ass would be the problem."

"Touché."

It's good just to laugh with her. Not even always touching. Just be. And as an added bonus, it relieves all the stress I'm feeling. Stop dancing around it Stabler.

"I almost screwed it all up didn't I? All over something so small….all I had to do was talk. That's all." Oh well, guess it's better to cry now…and not in front of Huang.

"Sweetheart. Do not put all the blame on yourself. You stopped talking….and I stopped asking you to. I knew you wouldn't tell me anything anyways. And I really thought loving you would be enough. But living with your shadow….was cold."

I hate seeing her like this. Heartbroken….torn….

"God, Elliot….it seemed like you kissed me like it was a habit. You said "I love you" just to be polite. And in the rare occasion you were home, you held me while we slept….like, your arm just went around me."

"Because that's where my arm DOES belong Kath. You know, I do understand what your saying…and I've felt it too. I'm sorry I made it so cold…please forgive me for not being the husband that I should have been. And forgive me for not loving you the way I should." Her skin is so soft under my lips….she knows I mean this….

"Only if you can forgive me for not being the wife you needed….forgive me for being so pushy all the time. And forgive me for not asking anymore." Her hands so soft on my hands…. "And what is with us ALWAYS confessing something to someone?"

"Interesting. What has the Church done to us….made us willing to tell anyone anything. But since we are in a confessing mood….."

"Well….I'm sure can't absolve you of anything…but shoot."

"I must confess that making love to you last night…was….I can't even describe how it made me feel. I felt…alive Kath. And after those kids yesterday, I thought…for sure that some part of my was going to die. And….I wanted it to."

She's stunned…hell, so am I…"Elliot…."

"And I know what that means. And when we were all here together…and after telling you what I saw….then you held me while I cried. You have just begun to understand what I see everyday. And as bad as I hate to admit it, all this evil was….is eating me up inside. I just wanna protect you and the kids, that's all." And that's the truth.

"But you DO protect us. Everyday. I'm not fond of what you deal with….but I'm glad that some woman or child is hurting, you're there to help them. I would be able to deal…."

"We all have our ways. I'm just happy to help them."

"So, just how many people have you comforted in those powerful and safe arms?"

Is she hitting on me…no. Stop that. "Not as many as Olivia. Those women…they're so terrified…usually, I enter the room and they freeze with fear. Sometimes the fear in their eyes is overwhelming. I usually have to leave the room before they'll even talk. But, I have gotten used to it." I really have….it's the violent shakes and panic attacks that still get to me. "I just don't know what I'd do if that woman was ever you….or Maureen….or Kathleen…."

A sad smile…."I do. You'd make sure the best people in the whole squad where on the case. And then you'd make for sure that your prosecutor gets a conviction."

"I hate it when your right…but you forgot about the part where I'd hunt that bastard down….and beat the living crap out of him….it's just assault…I'd definitely get off on extreme emotional distress."

"Elliot."

"No….I'd be so concerned about any of you. I'd never be able to leave your side."

"But what about kids….does it get any better?"

Always know the tough ones. "Yes and no. At least they don't immediately hide, sometimes I hold them. But having to listen to their stories, through their tears, never gets any easier."

"I can't imagine what would make any parent do ANYTHING to their children. If I ever hurt them….I couldn't live with myself…I would want to be locked up for the rest of my life. It would only be fair…since that child's life is ruined….."

"But you'd be amazed. Children….they are so resilient and strong. Seeing them in court, listening to testify….I know adults that can't even endure that."

"Children are remarkable I'll give you that. But just so you know…I've seen my share of those children who don't make it….I've watched them die. I've seen the pain in the parents eyes….sometimes, it still haunts me, what could have been done. So on some level, I do understand what you see. So, stop protecting me from what I already know."

"Sure. Talk and stop being overprotective…..geez, next thing you'll ask me to stop interrogating the kids." That always makes her smile.

"Nah. It's the only way to get anything from them." There's my smile. Beautiful…. "And plus, watching you grill them….kinda sexy."

Mmm, that's a nice kiss, warm…."As bad as I hate…."

"I know. We gotta go."

"Yeah." Or else I'll miss my impending torture……